evacuate

play

verb evac·u·ate \i-ˈva-kyə-ˌwāt, -kyü-ˌāt\

Definition of evacuate

;

transitive verb
1 : to remove the contents of : empty
2 : to discharge from the body as waste : void
3 : to remove something (such as gas or water) from especially by pumping
4a : to remove especially from a military zone or dangerous areab : to withdraw from military occupation ofc : vacate 1 were ordered to evacuate the building
intransitive verb
1 : to withdraw from a place in an organized way especially for protection
2 : to pass urine or feces from the body

play \i-ˈva-kyə-ˌwā-tiv, -kyü-ˌā-\ adjective

People who live along the coast are being evacuated as the hurricane approaches.
During World War II, children were evacuated from London to the country.
Residents were ordered to evacuate the building.
Residents have been ordered to evacuate.

Middle English, to draw off morbid humors, from Latin evacuatus, past participle of evacuare to empty, from e- + vacuus empty

NEW!

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

play

verb

play

verb evac·u·ate \i-ˈva-kyə-ˌwāt\

;

1 : to leave or cause to leave a place of danger Residents evacuated the burning building.
2 : to make empty : empty out
3 : to discharge waste matter from the body